I am a photographer, Graphic Designer and a stay-at-home-mom who enjoys blogging and writing reviews. Photography and cars are my passion. I post about various topics including health & beauty, events, automotive, music, film, travel, food, and sometimes giveaway contests.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Fall Family Safety Tips from Master Lock

Burglary statistics show that fall and winter seasons see more home theft occurrences than any other time of the year. With easy-to-remember safety and security tips from Master Lock such as the few listed below, homes and families will be prepared to protect from potential risks.

Master Lock reminds families to fall back into safety and establish home security habits. As students settle into school schedules, new activities begin and day-light hours dwindle, Master Lock reminds students and parents to evaluate and refresh their family safety plans. Burglary statistics show that fall and winter seasons see more home theft occurrences than any other time of the year* so now is the ideal time to review these safety practices.

Master Lock created a series of easy-to-remember seasonal safety and security tips to help you prepare and protect your home and family from potential risks.

1. Inspect to Perfect. Home improvement projects are a popular fall activity as families perform necessary maintenance to prepare their houses for long winter months. Take advantage of this time to conduct a mini home inspection to ensure your household basics are functioning. Make sure the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are fully charged, and verify your fire extinguisher has not expired.

2. Lock-it-up for a Touchdown. From football tailgates and apple picking to study groups and fall sports, families tend to be very active during the fall months, often entertaining guests in the home. With everyone coming and going more frequently, be sure that all points of entry to the home are secured, including windows, entryways and garages. Master Lock has a few products that can help:

* Cable locks like the 8127TRI keyed alike family 3-pack are ideal for securing items that may be stored outside such as storage sheds, grills, tools, lawn equipment, and bikes that won’t be used again until spring.

* The 265D door security bar is perfect for adding extra resistance against forced entry to a sliding glass or traditional hinged door.

* A key safe such as the 5400D or 5401D is a convenient way to always have a spare key securely stored where you need it. This set-your-own combination lock box holds up to five keys and can be easily affixed to the doorknob or something permanent nearby, ensuring keys are always readily available. A key safe is a great solution for kids who may be coming home to an empty house after school or activities.

3. A Beacon of Safety. In an emergency, police should be able to clearly see your home and identify your house number from the street. Regularly prune landscaping around your doors, windows and entryway, and consider installing lights above doors and near your garage or carport. In addition, a well-lit, easily visible home is much
less tempting to a potential burglar. Don’t forget to double-check outdoor light timers to adjust for the change in daylight hours or try solar options that charge themselves and turn-on on automatically.

4. There’s No “I” in Team…or Safety. Engage the whole family in safety and security planning and schedule a meeting to review house rules, such as curfews, lock-up procedures and what kids should do if they’re home alone. Assigning roles to each family member (i.e. Dad is in charge of closing garage door every night, John
checks that the front door is locked, etc.) is a great way to get everyone involved, learn by doing, and share the responsibility.

5. ICE it. Whether your children are headed to an after school practice or spending time in the neighborhood with friends, make sure they always have their In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact information with them. Add parent or guardian names to their cell phone contacts labeled with ICE, name and relationship (i.e. ICE John Dad) and/or include a simple card in their backpack to help any adult reach Mom or Dad if needed.

Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.